Accordion bottle

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device includes a housing at least partially surrounding a compressible container. The container includes a first tab member received by a first tab receiver in a wall of the housing. The dispensing device dispenses material through an open end of the container in response to a compressive force moving an opposing end of the container towards the open end. As the container is compressed, the first tab member exits the first tab receiver and enters a second tab receiver, which is located closer to the dispensing end of the housing than the first tab receiver. The first tab member remains in the second tab receiver after the compressive force has been removed.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids and more specifically to a device having an adjustable volume for dispensing fluids.

B. Description of the Related Art

Bellows type containers are known in the art for a number of containment and dispensing operations. For instance, it is known to have a generally cylindrical bottle having wall-defining flexible pleats adapted to compress in the manner of a bellows. It is also known to have a dispensing nozzle on such bottles and to fill such bottles with a fluid for dispensing. However, the known devices are not capable of preventing the container from expanding after a compressive force is removed. Therefore, air or other unwanted fluids may enter the container.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method to maintain the container in a compressed state after the compressive force has been removed. Embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more of these deficiencies in the prior art.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a dispensing assembly includes a container enclosing a fluid containing space, the container having a closed compression end and a dispensing end defining an opening, wherein the compression end is adapted to move toward the dispensing end in response to an applied compressive force; a housing receiving the container in an at least partially enclosing relation, the housing having a dispensing end receiving the dispensing end of the container and providing fluid communication between the fluid containing space of the container and the space external to the container, and the housing having a compression end defining an opening exposing the compression end of the container.

According to another embodiment, the dispensing assembly includes a bellows type container enclosing a fluid containing space, the container having a closed compression end and a dispensing end defining an opening, wherein the compression end is adapted to move toward the dispensing end in response to an applied compressive force; a housing receiving the container in an at least partially enclosing relation, the housing having a dispensing end receiving the dispensing end of the container and providing fluid communication between the fluid containing space of the container and the space external to the container, and the housing having a compression end defining an opening exposing the compression end of the container; a plurality of stop tab receivers defining openings in the housing, the receivers being arranged in one or more rows; and a compression plate received by the compression end of the housing and including a plurality of stop tabs or tab members adapted to mate with corresponding stop tab receivers of the housing.

According to another embodiment, the dispensing assembly includes a generally cylindrical bellows type container enclosing a fluid containing space, the container having a closed compression end and a dispensing end defining an opening, wherein the compression end is adapted to move toward the dispensing end in response to an applied compressive force; a generally cylindrical housing having a dispensing end and a compression end and defining at least one wall radially spaced from a centrally located longitudinal axis, the wall defining a lateral opening that is continuous with a compression end edge of the wall and adapted to receive a portion of a human thumb, the housing receiving the container in a partially enclosing relation, the dispensing end of the housing comprising a flange member adapted to receive one or more human fingers, and the dispensing end of the housing receiving the dispensing end of the container and providing fluid communication between the fluid containing space of the container and the space external to the container, and the compression end of the housing defining an opening exposing the compression end of the container; a plurality of stop tab receivers defining openings in the housing, the receivers being arranged in two opposing longitudinal rows; and a compression plate received by the compression end of the housing and including a pair of opposing stop tabs adapted to mate with corresponding stop tab receivers of the housing, wherein the stop tabs define a shape having an advancing side and a backstop side, wherein the stop tabs are adapted to advance only from the compression end of the housing toward the dispensing end of the housing, wherein the compression plate contacts the

According to another embodiment, a dispensing device or assembly includes a container including an internal volume defined by a resilient wall connecting a dispensing end to a compression end, wherein the container includes a first tab member near the compression end extending outwardly from the container, wherein the compression end includes an internal projection extending into the internal volume of the container towards the dispensing end of the container; a housing including an interior defined by a wall connecting a dispensing end to a receiving end, wherein the wall includes a plurality of tab receivers arranged substantially in a row extending along the longitudinal length of the housing, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the container, wherein the first tab member of the container enters a first tab receiver in the wall of the housing to maintain the container within the interior of the housing; wherein the container dispenses material through the open end when the internal volume is at least partially reduced due to a compressive force moving the compression end towards the dispensing end, wherein the first tab member exits the first tab receiver and enters a second tab receiver, which is located closer to the dispensing end of the housing than the first tab receiver; wherein the first tab member remains in the second tab receiver when the compressive force is removed maintaining the partially reduced internal volume of the container.

According to another embodiment, the container has a plurality of compression states varying from substantially uncompressed to substantially fully compressed, and wherein the plurality of tab receivers correspond to varying states of compression from the substantially uncompressed state to the substantially fully compressed state.

According to another embodiment, the first tab receiver defines the substantially uncompressed state, a last tab receiver defines the substantially fully compressed state, and the second tab receiver defines an intermediate state of compression between the substantially uncompressed state and the substantially fully compressed state.

According to another embodiment, the resilient wall includes a plurality of compressible ribs, pleats, or bellows.

According to another embodiment, a method of forming a dispensing device includes the steps of forming a container with an internal volume defined by a resilient wall connecting a dispensing end to a compression end, the compression end including an outwardly extending projection; repositioning the outwardly extending projection to form an inwardly extending projection, the inwardly extending projection extending into the internal volume of the container towards the dispensing end of the container; inserting the container into a housing, the housing including a containing end, an open end, and a wall having a plurality of openings extending at least partially between the containing end and the open end, the containing end of the housing limiting the movement of the dispensing end of the container; inserting a compression plate into the housing, the compression plate contacting the compression end of the container, the compression plate including projections which extend into the openings in the wall of the housing maintaining the position of the compression plate within the container. Exerting a force on the compression plate moves the compression plate towards the containing end of the housing and repositions the projections into openings located nearer the containing end. When the force is removed, the interaction of the projections and openings maintain the compression plate in the relocated position.

Other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a compression plate, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a housing, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a compression plate, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a compression plate, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a compression plate, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a section view of the dispensing assembly shown in FIG. 16, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a dispensing assembly, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is a section view of the dispensing assembly shown in FIG. 16, according to one embodiment.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, a dispensing device includes a container having a dispensing end and an opposing compression end. The ends are spaced apart and define a longitudinal axis. The container is at least partially enclosed within a housing member. A compression plate is attached to the housing and in contact with the compression end of the container. Applying a compressive force to the compression plate can cause it to move toward the dispensing end, and therefore compress the container and expel fluids contained therein.

According to some embodiments, a container can include a bottle fabricated from a flexible material, such as an appropriate organic polymer formulation. The dispensing end of the bottle can define an opening for expelling fluids contained therein. In some embodiments, the dispensing end can include an integral nozzle feature, or a means for attaching a nozzle, such as without limitation, threads. The sides of the container define a bellows in a normally extended configuration, and may have any suitable radial cross sectional shape including circular, triangular, rectangular or the like. Furthermore, the sides of the bellows container are readily collapsible under a longitudinal load. In some embodiments, the compression end of the bellows container can define a feature for attaching the compression plate, for instance, by clipping. However, in other embodiments the compression plate need not attach to the container.

In some embodiments, a housing can include any suitable rigid device for holding the container while applying a longitudinal compressive force to the compression end of the container. More particularly, a suitable housing can provide an opposing longitudinal force, so that application of a compressive force results in compression of the bellows container. In some embodiments, a housing at least partially encloses the sides and dispensing end of the container. The housing can define an opening adapted to receive the container's nozzle or nozzle attaching means while providing for fluid communication between the container's interior volume, and the exterior of the container. Suitable housings can include a lateral opening large enough to receive, for instance, a thumb that may be used to apply a compressive force. According to some embodiments, the compression end of a housing may be open, or partially open, and adapted to receive the compression plate, or other compression means. Furthermore, some embodiments may include a plurality of openings defining tab receivers. The tab receivers can be adapted to receive tabs extending radially from the compression plate.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1 and 12-19 show a dispensing device or dispensing assembly 10 including a housing 100, a container 200, a base or compression plate 300, a fluid directing device or nozzle 400, and a closure device or cap 500 which can fit over the nozzle 400 or can be used in place of the nozzle 400.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a housing 100 includes a housing wall 110 defining a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the wall 110 is a generally cylindrical. The housing 100 includes an open compression end 130, and a window 120 suitable for receiving a user's thumb in a compressive relation. The housing 100 also includes a dispensing end 140 defining a dispensing port opening 142 and a surrounding flange member 144, which may be suitable for receiving one or more fingers in an opposing compressive relation. The housing 100 also includes two opposing rows of openings or notches defining tab receivers 150 (also called stop tab receivers 150). The housing 100 can be formed by injection molding or blow molding. The housing 100 can be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer, plastic, rubber, or any other material chosen by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the housing 100 can include a wall 110, a gap or cutout 120 in the wall 110, a receiving end 130, and a dispensing end 140. The dispensing end 140 can include a flange 144 extending outwardly from the wall 110. The flange 144 can include contours 148 shaped to receive a user's fingers. The dispensing 140 can also include a ledge or lip 146 extending inwardly from the wall 110. The dispensing end 140 defines an aperture or dispensing port 142. The wall 110 can include one or more openings or notches 150. The wall 110 can include two rows of openings 150 extending along the longitudinal length of the housing 100. In some embodiments, the two rows of openings 150 are spaced approximately 180° apart.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a container 200 can include a bellows-type container or bottle having a compression end 230 and a dispensing end 240. The dispensing end 240 defines a dispensing port 242 including an opening and threads 244 for attaching a fluid directing device or nozzle. The sides of the container 200 define a bellows 220 including a plurality of compressible ribs or pleats. The compression end 230 of the container 200 includes an optional compression plate receiver 210, which defines a ridge for receiving a compression plate in a clip or snap-fit relation.

With reference now to FIGS. 6, 7, and 16-19, the container 200 can include a wall 250, a compression end 230, and a dispensing end 240. The wall 250 can be resilient or elastic. The wall 250 can maintain a longitudinal length and an uncompressed internal volume of the container until a compressive force compresses the container and reduces the internal volume. A compressive force can move compression end 230 towards the dispensing end 240 to dispense or expel material located inside the container 200. In some embodiments, the container 200 can contain or store fluids, liquids, gels, pastes, or any other material chosen by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The wall 250 can expand to its original longitudinal length and uncompressed internal volume when the compressive force is removed. The wall 250 can be substantially circular. The container 200 can be biased to maintain its original longitudinal length and uncompressed internal volume. The wall 250 can include ribs or bellows 220, which can compress and expand. The ribs or bellows 220 can compress when a compressive force is applied and can expand when the compressive force is removed. The dispensing end 240 can define a dispensing port 242. Material can flow into and out of the container 200 through the dispensing port 242. The dispensing end 240 can also include threads 244 for attaching a fluid directing device or nozzle 400 or a closure device or cap 500, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The container 200 can include projections or tab members 260 (also called stop tabs 260) extending from the container 200 at or near the compression end 230, as shown in FIG. 6. The projections 260 can be angled or curved away from the dispensing end 240. The projections 260 function in a substantially similar manner as the projections 320 on the compression plate 300, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In some embodiments, the projections 260 on the container 200 can obviate the need for a compression plate 300. The container 200 can include two projections 260, 260 spaced approximately 180° apart. The compression end 230 of the container 200 can include a recess or indentation 270, which creates a corresponding internal protrusion or projection 272 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. The inwardly extending projection 272 ensures that all the material located inside the container 200 is evacuated or expelled when the container is fully compressed. The projection 272 approaches the dispensing end 240 of the container 200 as the container 200 is compressed. When the container 200 is fully compressed, the projection 272 can contact the dispensing end 240. The container 200 has a plurality of compression states varying from substantially uncompressed, where the internal volume of the container 200 is at a maximum, to substantially fully compressed, where the internal volume of the container 200 is at a minimum.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the container 200 can be formed with an outwardly extending projection 280. After the container 200 is formed, the projection 280 can be pushed or pressed inside the container to form the recess 270 and corresponding internal projection 272, as shown in FIG. 7. The container 200 can be formed by injection molding or blow molding. The container 200 can be formed from a pliable polymer material or any flexible and resilient material chosen by a person of ordinary skill the art including, but not limited to, rubber or plastic.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 9-11, a compression plate 300 can include a first side 315 for receiving a user's thumb, and a second side 310 for receiving the compression end 230 of the container 200. The first side 315 can include a contour 318 for receiving a user's thumb. The compression plate 300 can include an opposing pair of projections or tab members 320 (also called stop tabs 320) extending more or less radially from the circumference of the plate 300. The two tab members 320, 320 can be spaced approximately 180° apart According to this embodiment, the projections or tabs 320 are adapted to mate with the openings or notches 150 shown in FIG. 2. The projections or tabs can be oriented away from the second side 310. Thus, when a longitudinal compression force is applied to the compression plate 300, the tabs 320 can slide out of their tab receivers 150 and advance to the next tab receiver 150 closer to the dispensing end 140. For a non-limiting example, when a longitudinal compression force is applied to the compression plate 300, the tabs 320 can slide out of their tab receivers 152 and advance to the next receiver 154 closer to the dispensing end 140. In some embodiments, the tab members 320 are curved or angled towards the first side 315. The compression plate 300 can include one or more projections or ribs 340 that extend into an recess or indentation 270 of the container, as shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 17, and 19. In some embodiments, the ribs 340 can maintain the projection 272 in an inwardly extending orientation.

According to other embodiments, the compression plate 300 can also include one or more hook or latch members 330, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11. The latch members 330 are adapted to receive the compression end 230 of the container 200 shown in FIG. 3 in a clip or snap-fit relation. In some embodiments, the latch members 330 can attach to the first rib or bellows 222 of the container 200 shown in FIG. 17, or to the compression plate receiver 210 shown in FIG. 3. The latch members 330 can secure the compression plate 300 to the container 200.

With reference to all the FIGURES, the assembly of the dispensing assembly 10 will now be described. The container 200 can be inserted into the housing 100 from the open end 130 of the housing 100 until the dispensing end 240 of the container contacts the dispensing end 140 of the housing. The housing 100 at least partially surrounds or encloses the container 200. A compression plate 300 can then be inserted into the housing 100 from the open end 130 of the housing 100. As the compression plate 300 is inserted into the housing 100, the projections 320 on the compression plate 300 enter the first opening 152 on each side of the housing 100. This secures the container 200 and the compression plate 300 within the housing 100. The compression plate 300 can be attached to the container 200 before the container is inserted into the housing 100, so that the compression plate 300 and the container 200 can be inserted into the housing as a unit. In some embodiments, the ribs 340 on the compression plate extend into the recess 270 of the container and maintain the inwardly extending projection 270 inside the container. For an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the projections 260 on the container 200 can enter the first openings 152 on the housing 100 and secure the container 200 within the housing 100 without the need for a compression plate 300. The dispensing end 140 of the housing 100 maintains the dispensing end 240 of the container within the housing whether or not a compression plate 300 is used. The container 200 can be filled with material to a predetermined level. The dispensing end 240 of the container 200 can be sealed until the dispensing assembly 10 is ready to be used. A nozzle 400 can be attached to the container by screwing the nozzle 400 onto the threads of the dispensing end 240. A closure device 500 can be secured to the container substantially covering the nozzle 400. The closure device 500 can be attached to the container by screwing the closure device 500 onto the threads of the dispensing end 240.

With continuing reference to all the FIGURES, the operation of the dispensing assembly 10 will now be described. Before the dispensing assembly 10 can be used, the container 200 must be unsealed, if previously sealed, and the cap 500 must be removed, if the cap 500 was previously attached. A user then grasps the dispensing assembly 10 with one or two fingers located on the flange 144 and a thumb located on the second side 315 of the compression plate 300, or a thumb located on the compression end 230 of the container 200. Two fingers can be located on the flange 144, with one located on either side of the dispensing port 142 on the contours 148. Holding the dispensing assembly 10 between the thumb and two fingers, the user can exert a compressive force on the dispensing assembly 10 and expel material out of the dispensing port 242 of the container 200. As the user exerts the compressive force, the compressive end 230 of the container 200 moves towards the dispensing end 240 of the container 200 along the longitudinal length of the dispensing assembly 10. At the same time, the tab members 320 exit the first tab receivers 152 and enter and the intermediate tab receivers 154. This process can continue for each successive intermediate tab receiver 154 along the row of tab receivers until the tab members 320 enter the last tab receivers 160 located near the dispensing end 140 of the housing. At this point, substantially all the material has been evacuated or expelled from the interior of the container 200 and the projection 272 is located substantially adjacent the dispensing end 240 of the container 200. The cooperation of the tab members 320 and the tab receivers 150 maintain the compressive state of the container 200 after the user removes the compressive force. This prevents the container 200 from uncompressing and the suction of unwanted air into the container 200. The angled or curved shape of the tab members 320 allow the compression plate 300 to move towards the dispensing end 240 of the housing and prevent the compression plate 300 from moving towards the receiving end 130 of the housing. The plurality of tab receivers 150 correspond to varying states of compression from the uncompressed state to the substantially fully compressed state. The first tab receiver 152 defines the substantially uncompressed state of the container 200 and the last tab receiver 160 defines the substantially fully compressed state. The intermediate tab receivers 154 located in between the first 152 and last 160 tab receivers define varying intermediate states of compression between the substantially uncompressed state and the substantially fully compressed state.

Numerous embodiments have been described hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

1. A dispensing device comprising: a container enclosing a fluid containing space, the container having a closed compression end and a dispensing end defining an opening, wherein the compression end is movable towards the dispensing end in response to an applied compressive force; a housing receiving the container in an at least partially enclosing relation, the housing having a dispensing end receiving the dispensing end of the container and providing fluid communication between the fluid containing space of the container and the space external to the container, and the housing having a compression end defining an opening exposing the compression end of the container; a plurality of openings in the housing, wherein the opening are arranged in one or more rows; and a compression plate received by the compression end of the housing and including a plurality of tab members adapted to mate with corresponding plurality of openings in the housing.
 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the compression end of the container includes an external recess and a corresponding internal projection extending inwardly into the internal volume of the container in a direction towards the dispensing end of the container.
 3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the compression plate includes at least one rib extending into the external recess of the compression end.
 4. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the container defines a generally cylindrical shape having a generally cylindrical wall spaced radially from a centrally located longitudinal axis, and wherein the generally cylindrical wall defines one or more pleats.
 5. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an organic polymer material.
 6. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the housing defines at least one generally cylindrical wall spaced radially from a centrally located longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the housing further defines an opening running longitudinally in the generally cylindrical wall, the longitudinal opening being continuous with a compression end edge of the generally cylindrical wall, wherein the longitudinal opening is so dimensioned as to receive a portion of a human thumb.
 7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprise a flange member disposed about the dispensing end of the housing and adapted to receive one or more human fingers.
 8. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings define at least two longitudinally oriented rows.
 9. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of openings define generally opposing rows.
 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the tab members define a shape having an advancing side and a backstop side.
 11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the tab members are adapted to advance from the compression end of the housing toward the dispensing end of the housing.
 12. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the compression plate contacts the compression end of the container and is adapted to apply a compressive force to the compression end.
 13. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the compression plate defines an outwardly facing side directed away from the container, the outwardly facing side defining a contour adapted to receive a portion of a human thumb.
 14. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle disposed at the dispensing end of the container and in fluid communication with the fluid containing space.
 15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the nozzle is an integral portion of the container.
 16. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the nozzle is attached to the container by a means selected from one or more of a threaded portion, a press fit, a snap fit, or a weld.
 17. A dispensing device, comprising: a generally cylindrical bellows-type container enclosing a fluid containing space, the container having a closed compression end and a dispensing end defining an opening, wherein the compression end is movable toward the dispensing end in response to an applied compressive force; a generally cylindrical housing having a dispensing end and a compression end and defining at least one wall radially spaced from a centrally located longitudinal axis, the wall defining a lateral opening that is continuous with a compression end edge of the wall and adapted to receive a portion of a human thumb, the housing receiving the container in a partially enclosing relation, the dispensing end of the housing comprising a flange member adapted to receive one or more human fingers, and the dispensing end of the housing receiving the dispensing end of the container and providing fluid communication between the fluid containing space of the container and the space external to the container, and the compression end of the housing defining an opening exposing the compression end of the container; a plurality of openings in the housing, the openings being arranged in two opposing longitudinal rows; and a compression plate received by the compression end of the housing and including a pair of opposing tab members adapted to mate with corresponding openings of the housing, wherein the tab members define a shape having an advancing side and a backstop side, wherein the tab members are adapted to advance from the compression end of the housing toward the dispensing end of the housing, wherein the compression plate contacts the compression end of the container and is adapted to apply a compressive force thereto, and wherein the compression plate defines a face on an outwardly facing side directed away from the container, the outwardly facing side defining a contour adapted to receive a portion of a human thumb.
 18. A dispensing assembly comprising: a container including an internal volume defined by a resilient wall connecting a dispensing end to a compression end, the container including a first tab member near the compression end extending outwardly from the container, wherein the compression end includes an internal projection extending into the internal volume of the container towards the dispensing end of the container; a housing including an interior defined by a wall connecting a dispensing end to a receiving end, wherein the wall includes a plurality of tab receivers arranged substantially in a row extending along the longitudinal length of the housing, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the container, wherein the first tab member of the container enters a first tab receiver in the wall of the housing to maintain the container within the interior of the housing; wherein the container dispenses material through the open end when the internal volume is at least partially reduced due to a compressive force moving the compression end towards the dispensing end, wherein the first tab member exits the first tab receiver and enters a second tab receiver, which is located closer to the dispensing end of the housing than the first tab receiver; wherein the first tab member remains in the second tab receiver when the compressive force is removed maintaining the partially reduced internal volume of the container.
 19. The dispensing assembly of claim 18, wherein the container has a plurality of compression states varying from substantially uncompressed to substantially fully compressed, and wherein the plurality of tab receivers correspond to varying states of compression from the substantially uncompressed state to the substantially fully compressed state.
 20. The dispensing assembly of claim 18, wherein the first tab receiver defines the substantially uncompressed state, a last tab receiver defines the substantially fully compressed state, and the second tab receiver defines an intermediate state of compression between the substantially uncompressed state and the substantially fully compressed state.
 21. A method of forming a dispensing device comprising the steps of: forming a container with an internal volume defined by a resilient wall connecting a dispensing end to a compression end, the compression end including an outwardly extending projection; repositioning the outwardly extending projection to form an inwardly extending projection, the inwardly extending projection extending into the internal volume of the container towards the dispensing end of the container; inserting the container into a housing, the housing including a containing end, an open end, and a wall having a plurality of openings extending at least partially between the containing end and the open end, the containing end of the housing limiting the movement of the dispensing end of the container; inserting a compression plate into the housing, the compression plate contacting the compression end of the container, the compression plate including projections which extend into the openings in the wall of the housing maintaining the position of the compression plate within the container. 